Mecklenburg County private prep football preview: Which teams could wind up on top?
AI-generated summary reviewed by our newsroom.
Which Mecklenburg County private school teams could play for a football title? Which players have been offered college scholarships? Here’s an outlook on the area’s season.
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CHARLOTTE CHRISTIAN
Coach: Jammie Deese
2025 record: 7-6
Returning starters: 5
Key returnees: Maxton Miller (5-8, 165, RB/DB, Sr.); MJ Barrow (6-0, 205, LB, Sr.); Elijah Boythe (6-0, 175, K/P, Sr.); Dylan Smith (5-10, 175, DB/WR, Sr.); Kaiden Lawrence (6-0, 185, WR/CB, Jr.); Ben Reynolds (6-2, 190, TE/DE, Sr.); Jake Rick (5-8, 166, WR/CB, Jr.); Andrew Henley (5-9, 240, DL/OL, Sr.); Andy Horne (6-0, 210, DE, Jr.); Salis Madison (6-2, 225, DE/TE, Soph.); Titus Frazier (6-3, 175, WR/LB, Soph.); Charlie Farrer (6-1, 210, OL/DL, Soph.); James Green (5-10, 200, OL/DL, Soph.); Cruz Cochran (6-1, 155, CB/WR, Fr.); Christian Patrick (5-8, 165, Ath., Fr.).
Key newcomers: Gavin McDermott (6-2, 200, QB, Soph.); Corbin Thomas (5-9, 165, CB/WR, Soph.); Cayson Price (5-11, 190, LB, Soph.).
Outlook: The Knights reached the NCISAA Division I state championship last season, but graduated many of the starters from that team. First-year coach Jammie Deese comes over from Forest Hills, where he was 49-21 overall. The former Wake Forest High star takes over one of the state’s winningest programs and has three NFL legends coaching middle school at Christian: Greg Olsen, NFL Hall of Famer Luke Kuechly and Jonathan Stewart, all former Carolina Panthers.
CHARLOTTE COUNTRY DAY
Head coach: Drew Witman (12th year)
2025 record: 6-4
Returning starters: 15
Key returnees: Achilles Morales (6-2, 185, QB, Jr.); Jabari Spruill (5-10, 165, DB, Jr.); Bobby Wakefield (6-3, 215, LB, Sr.); John Jeanetta (6-1, 195, DB/LB/RB/WR, Sr.); Charlie Stauffer (6-5, 300, OL, Sr.); Jerry Tate (5-11, 265, DL, Soph.); Ryan Jones (5-11, 165, DB, Jr.); Wil Mayer (6-5, 190, DL, Sr.); Andrew Mahaffey (6-0, 215, OL, Sr.); Carter Bateman (5-11, 195, DL/LB, Sr.); Darius Morales (5-10, 190, RB/DB, Jr.); King Curry (6-0, 170, WR, Jr.); Casey Stafford (6-0, 175, WR, Sr.).
Key newcomer: Nolan Lowrey (6-2, 185, WR/DB, Sr.)
Outlook: The Bucs had a big bounce-back season in 2025 and hope to build on it this fall. Country Day will be without two Division I defensive backs (Nate Dollard and Braylon Clark) who transferred, but the Bucs have a lot of talent returning, including promising QB Achilles Morales.
CHARLOTTE LATIN
Coach: Drew Dayton (fourth season, 17-14)
2025 record: 7-4
Returning starters: 5
Key returnees: DJ Douglas (6-1, 190, RB/DB, Sr., 2027 — 1,100 rushing yards, 19 TDs, First Team All-State); Anthony “Junior” McGill (6-0, 190, WR/DB, Sr., 2027 — All-Conference; 53 receptions, 791 receiving yards, 7 TDs, 26 tackles, 3 TFLs, 1 INT, 17 punt returns for 180 yards); Troy Logan (6-0, 175, QB, Sr., 2027 — 153-of-237 passing, 1,939 yards, 23 passing TDs, 2 rushing TDs); Zavious Dunson (6-2, 260, OL/TE/DL, Sr., 2027); Ethan Turner (6-2, 270, OL/DL, Soph., 2029); Qa’id “Q” Luqmaan (5-9, 165, DB/WR, Jr., 2028); Isaiah Galloway (6-1, 205, RB/DB, Jr., 2028).
Key newcomers: Eli Alexander (6-0, 200, LB/RB, Jr. — Independence); Michael Macon (6-4, 300, OL/DL, Jr. — Ballantyne Ridge); Cainan Kerchner (5-11, 170, QB, Soph. — Myers Park); Vince Nixon (5-11, 160, WR/DB, Jr. — Butler).
Outlook: Charlotte Latin has won 15 games in the past two seasons, building nice momentum, which it hopes to continue this season. The Hawks lost 16 senior starters from the 2025 season, however, including the entire front seven on defense. Replacing those players is a priority.
HICKORY GROVE
Head coach: Tad Baucom (seventh year at the school; 39-19 at HG, 219-157-2 overall)
2025 record: 6-4
Returning starters: 8
Returning lettermen: 20
Key returnees: Noah Belote (6-0, 180, WR/DB, Sr. — All-State 2025; All-Conference 2024 and 2025; Big 22 Nomination 2026; National Honor Society Scholar; 4.31 GPA; two-time Gatlinburg All-American Selection; 50 receptions, 707 receiving yards, 4 total TDs, 971 all-purpose yards, 102 tackles, 5 INTs; three-sport athlete); Nathan Dowdy (5-11, 180, RB/DB, Sr. — All-Conference 2025; Big 22 Nomination 2026; Gatlinburg All-American Selection; 105 carries, 866 rushing yards, 8.5-yard average, four 100-plus-yard games, 11 rushing TDs, 11 receptions, 180 receiving yards, 2 receiving TDs, 13 total TDs; two-sport athlete; All-State baseball 2025); Seth Belote (5-7, 155, WR/RB/DB, Soph.); Easton McGraw (6-3, 240, OL/DL, Soph.); Caleb Raab (5-9, 175, WR/DB, Jr.); Daniel Myint (6-0, 230, OL/DT, Jr.); Tay Sturdivant (6-0, 200, OL/DL, Jr.); Tyler Rhyne (5-7, 155, DB/WR, Soph.); Jonathan Tao (5-11, 185, OL/DL, Jr.); Ryan Crowe (6-2, 215, DL/LB/TE, Jr.); Dalton Espaillat (5-9, 165, WR/DB, Sr.); Matthew McCray (5-10, 180, LB/TE, Jr.); James Kennington (5-10, 265, OL/DL, Sr.); Atticus Crosby (5-11, 185, RB/LB, Sr.).
Key newcomers: Tyler Lang (5-11, 175, QB, Fr.); Aiden Josey (5-10, 155, WR/DB, Fr.); Wyatt Kiser (5-11, 255, OL/DL, Fr.); Timmy Hamilton (5-8, 150, WR/DB, Fr.).
Outlook: With eight starters and 20 lettermen back, Hickory Grove has enough talent and experience to continue its strong play under Baucom — and make a playoff run.
PROVIDENCE DAY
Coach: Chad Grier (seventh season, 149-26 overall including 58-10 at PDS)
2025 record: 13-0
Returning starters: 16
Key returnees: Griff Galloway (6-3.5, 265, DL, Sr. — committed to Kentucky); Jace Goodwin (5-11, 240, DL, Sr. — D1/D2 offers); Charles Ibe (6-1, 295, DL, Jr. — national recruit); Justin Abanquah (5-10, 220, LB, Sr. — committed to Elon); Moses Poku-Kankam (6-3, 220, LB, Sr. — committed to Rutgers); Caleb Cooper (6-0, 210, SS, Sr. — committed to Penn State); Tre Geathers (6-2.5, 215, Nickel, Sr. — committed to Florida); Stone Eich (6-0, 175, CB, Sr. — D1/D2 offers); Christian Liles (5-9, 185, CB, Jr. — D1 offers); Ethan Dempsey (6-3, 200, WR, Sr. — committed to Charlotte); Steele Fletcher (5-7, 165, WR/KR, Sr. — committed to Wake Forest); Max Cassell (5-10, 160, WR, Sr. — D1/D2 offers); Coop Hodson (6-3, 315, OL, Sr. — committed to Delaware); Nick Cherry (6-1, 295, C, Sr. — D1/D2 offers); Chris Peavy (6-1, 305, OL, Sr. — D2 offers); Jacob Ahmadivarji (5-11, 220, DL/OL, Sr. — D3 offers; started games on both OL and DL last year); Cole Cater (5-11, 175, QB, Sr. — 1-0 as a starter last year; strong JV season two years ago); Chase Biermann (5-7, 180, RB/LB, Sr.); Carter Pilon (5-11, 180, WR, Jr.); Lucas Sutton (RB/WR/CB, Jr. — three-way JV star last year; great speed); Gavin Bronikowski (6-0, 175, QB, Jr. — led JV team to an undefeated season); Matthew Cooper (6-0, 220, DE/OL, Jr. — started at guard against Butler last year and played great; dominant on both sides of JV games); Ashton Gibbs (RB/S, Soph. — JV star and consistent playmaker on both sides of the ball).
Key newcomers: Brennan Drummond (5-11, 190, DB/RB, Sr. — committed to Nebraska; started as a freshman and sophomore; transferred back from North Oconee, Georgia, for senior year); Braylon Clark (6-2, 195, WR, Jr. — 5-star; Country Day transfer); Daiquan “Pop” Bowman (5-10, 180, LB/Nickel, Jr. — great football IQ and extremely physical; West Charlotte transfer); Chris Strayhorn (6-4, 280, OL, Soph. — very long with great feet and a high ceiling; Palisades transfer); Chris Williams (LB/DB/RB, Jr. — tough, very athletic, and will contribute on both sides of the ball; Chambers transfer); Nate Dollard (CB, Jr. — four-star; Country Day transfer).
Outlook: Providence Day has annually produced one of the state’s most prolific offenses under Grier, but the Chargers may struggle a bit offensively this fall, at least early, working in a new quarterback and trying to find a lead running back. Defensively, 10 starters are back from a unit that allowed 10 points per game a year ago, and that’s before adding some very high-profile transfers. So Grier’s team, nationally ranked in preseason, may not have to score much.
SOUTHLAKE CHRISTIAN
Head coach: Caleb Hughes (second year)
2025 record: 3-8
Returning starters: 11
Key returnees: Hayden Richards (OLB/LB, Jr.); Connor Williams (DE, Sr.); John Balcerzak (DB, Sr. — offers from D1, D2 and D3 schools); Josiah Blair (DL, Jr.); Gavin Rhynes (DE, Jr.); Nolan Simmer (LB, Sr.); Luke Connena (DB, Sr.); Cameron Gandy (QB, Sr. — offer from Wofford College); Crawford Williams (OL, Jr. — offer from Nicholls State); Thomas Jenkins (WR, Sr.); Tre DeEsch (OL, Sr.); Houston Hudgens (WR/DB, Sr.).
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Key newcomers: Tre Kelley (WR/DB, Jr.); Coleman Sellers (OL, Jr.); Trey Rodriguez (WR/DB, Fr.); Carson Rogers (WR/OLB, Fr.); Rylie Falk (LB, Jr.); Carter Eberhart (WR, Soph.); AJ Rowell (DL, Soph.); Preston Pruitt (FS/OLB/DB, Sr. — offer from Denison College); Gannon Gardner (WR/RB/DB, Sr.); James Helderman (OL, Jr.); Luke Donaldson (DE/TE, Jr.).
Outlook: Seven starters are back on defense as SouthLake hunts its first winning season since 2019. Hughes said his team was “very committed” to offseason development, which he hopes shows in development of a young offensive line.
Justin Abanquah, Providence Day: The senior linebacker, committed to Elon, had 100 tackles last season, including 11 tackles for a loss and 6.5 sacks.
MJ Barrow, Charlotte Christian: A 6-0, 205-pound senior, Barrow had 62 tackles last year, including 10 for a loss and nine sacks.
Noah Belote, Hickory Grove: A senior wide receiver/defensive back, Belote was a private school all-state pick last season when he caught 50 passes for 707 yards. On defense, he had 102 tackles and five interceptions.
Braylon Clark, Providence Day: A 5-star transfer from Country Day, Clark had 1,093 yards receiving as a sophomore, plus 12 tackles. At defensive back, Clark wasn’t tested much but is one of the nation’s best. He’ll team with former Country Day teammate and four-star Nate Dollard, Florida commit Tre’ Geathers and Penn State commit Caleb Cooper in a Providence Day defensive backfield that could be one of the best in Mecklenburg County history.
Nathan Dowdy, Hickory Grove: The senior RB/DB was a Gatlinburg All-American selection last season as a junior, when he ran 105 times for 866 yards and 11 touchdowns. He had 180 yards receiving and two scores. On defense, he had 34 tackles.
DJ Douglas, Charlotte Latin: Douglas ran for 1,107 yards and 16 touchdowns last season and was a first-team all-state pick.
Griff Galloway, Providence Day: The 265-pound senior defensive lineman, committed to Kentucky, had 66 tackles, including 13 for a loss and 10.5 sacks last season.
Cameron Gandy, SouthLake Christian: Gandy has a Wofford offer and comes off a junior season where he threw for 1,789 yards and 14 touchdowns and had three touchdowns rushing.
Tre’ Geathers, Providence Day: The senior defensive back had 72 tackles, seven tackles for a loss and two interceptions last season. He has committed to Florida.
Jace Goodwin, Providence Day: The senior defensive lineman had 64 tackles, 20 tackles for a loss and 16.5 sacks last season.
Troy Logan, Charlotte Latin: The senior QB is back after throwing for nearly 2,000 yards and 23 touchdowns last season.
Gavin McDermott, Charlotte Christian: The son of former Buffalo Bills head coach Sean McDermott, Gavin is a 6-foot-2, 200-pound sophomore who Knights coach Jammie Deese thinks will be a special player.
Maxton Miller, Charlotte Christian: Miller, a senior, averaged 13 yards per carry last season and had 47 tackles on defense.
Achilles Morales, Charlotte Country Day: The junior QB is back after a big sophomore season, when he threw for 1,737 yards and 16 touchdowns.
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BIG SOUTH
NCISAA BIG 6
Note: The Observer did not receive preseason information from Covenant Day.
